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Latin America

Special Olympics Latin America is part of Special Olympics, an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.

Offices in Latin America

March 03, 2015 | Latin America: Peru

Feeling Respected for the First Time

By Branko Stojakovic Astorne

Branko Stojakovic Astorne (left) with Dr. Gonzalo Larrabure

Branko Stojakovic Astorne penned a blog about his experience speaking to a post-graduate class at the Universidad Científica del Sur in Peru. His powerful firsthand account demonstrates one way Special Olympics athletes can change attitudes and perceptions.View Story ▼Branko Stojakovic Astorne penned a blog about his experience speaking to a post-graduate class at the Universidad Científica del Sur in Peru. His powerful firsthand account demonstrates one way Special Olympics athletes can change attitudes and perceptions by working directly with health care providers.

About Branko Stojakovic Astorne:I am 38 years old, and I have had intellectual disabilities since I was born, but my family has supported me all my life. I feel fine with who I am, and I’ve never felt anything other than that. I like challenges and being able to help others. I am part of The Association of Young Leaders with Intellectual Disabilities, where we fight for the rights of people with disabilities. Also, I’m a proud member of the Special Olympics Global Athlete Health Advisory Committee.

February 13, 2015 | Latin America: Mexico

Andrea Arvizu: My Story as a Volunteer

By Paola Martinelli

Being able to support Special Olympics is a wonderful experience. I can see athletes in an environment full of opportunities that helps them develop their physical and mental capabilitiesView Story ▼Being able to support Special Olympics is a wonderful experience. I can see athletes in an environment full of opportunities that helps them develop their physical and mental capabilities, while living an experienced and self-fulfilling life of independence. Being with their teams. But most of all living with others, and having a sense of belongingness they don’t find anywhere is amazing. I am grateful for the opportunity they gave me to participate and to help. I hope they will always invite me to share my time and efforts to make me a better person and to get more people involved.

About Paola Martinelli:National Director of Communications and Marketing

February 13, 2015 | Latin America: Mexico

Volunteer Cristian Eloy Gomez Rico: A Look, a Smile, a Hug and Lots of Heart

By Paola Martinelli

I have had a great experience with wonderful people, people who gave their 100 percent. They do not know the phrase I can’t. They were persons with a warrior spirit.View Story ▼I have had a great experience with wonderful people, people who gave their 100 percent. They do not know the phrase I can’t. They were persons with a warrior spirit. Warriors not only in strength but also with love, fighting no matter how big the obstacle. Never accepting their losses since defeats, for them, will always be victories. Their strength is unbreakable. It is so amazing to see how special they are to change your life with just a glance, a smile and a hug. Their spirit to go forward no matter what makes you shudder. They capture your soul with their strength. I've become a fan of Christian’s perseverance and commitment. With this I can say that my experience with Special Olympics has been one of the best experiences in my life Olympics.

About Paola Martinelli:National Director of Communications and Marketing

February 13, 2015 | Latin America: Mexico

Surf Sports Reaches Special Olympics Athletes

By Paola Martinelli

Playa Hermosa was the ideal place to begin the 'ActivatENS breaking boundries’ project. It is a partnership between the Faculty of Sports of the UABC and 'adapts CHILE breaking boundaries.'View Story ▼Playa Hermosa was the ideal place to begin the 'ActivatENS breaking boundries’ project. It is a partnership between the Faculty of Sports of the UABC and 'adapts CHILE breaking boundaries.' This initiative originated in Chile by Pablo Zamora, who is an exchange student and had approached two graduates in physical education, Isabel Marin Navarro and Sara León to create different activities like surfing, zumba, and slackline sports balance by placing a rope at fixed points and using it to descend. The participants were the CAM Number 1, CAM Alma Evelia, Special Olympics Athletes, attention Vulnerable Groups (visually impaired) and Asociación Unidos Venceremos. The parents of special needs athletes went to Playa Hermosa and UABC Valle Dorado campus to witness the activities.

About Paola Martinelli:National Director of Communications and Marketing

December 24, 2014 | Latin America: Mexico

1st Great Race for Quality Education

By Paola Martinelli

"Club Tigers" Special Olympics Mexico, Baja California participated in the First Great Race for Quality Education organized by the Fronteriza Training School of Tijuana. This was part of its twentieth anniversaryView Story ▼"Club Tigers" Special Olympics Mexico, Baja California participated in the First Great Race for Quality Education organized by the Fronteriza Training School of Tijuana. This was part of its twentieth anniversary. Our athletes participated in this race in the category of 1000 meters special-walk 1000 meters and 100 meters race.

About Paola Martinelli:National Director of Communications and Marketing

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